Splint fob



R. H. ELLIS.

SPLINI Foa SETTING BROKEN Limes.

APPL l 1,326,717. Patented Deo. 30,1919.

P0 6s HEI/ILS @mm1/woz @Roz/neg ROSS H; ELLIS, OFKETCHALL, TENNESSEE.

sPLiNT non sn'rrrne BROKEN LIMBS.

specification of Letters' Patent.

Patented Dec. 30, 1919.

Application filed September 5, 1917. Serial No. 189,798.

T0 all whom t may concern."

Be it known that I, Boss Ennis, a citizen of the United States, and resident "of Ketchall, in the county of Marion and State of Tennessee, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Splints for Setting Broken Limbs, of whichthe following is a.

specification.

This inventionrelates to new andnseful improvements in splints, and the primary object of the invention is to provide a splint of this character especially adapted for use in setting broken or fractured limbs, which when in position can be adjusted to the exact proportion desired, so that the limb will be set accurately.

Another object of the invention is to provide an instrument of this character formed of a plurality of split bands, which are connected, and which have extending longitudinally thereof a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially adjustable cushioned spring slats, adapted to engage the limb and adjustable to `conform to the desired curva ture. By this means the limb may be held in the desired position while the same is knitting.

A further object of the inventionis to provide a device of this character which is easily and simply constructed, inexpensive to manufacture, and one which will be very eiiicient in operation.

With these and numerous other objects in view, my invention consists of the novel features of construction, combination and arrangement of parts which will be herein referred to and more particularly pointed out in the specification and claim.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the splint;

Fig. 2 is a detail view showing the connecting means between the split bands; and

Fig. 3 is a transverse section through one of the adjustable connections between a spring slat and one of the bands.

In describing my invention I shall refer to the drawings in which similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

The splint is formed of a plurality of circular bands 1 which are formed of two semi-circular sections 2 and 3 hingedly connected as shown at 4, and havingtheir opposite adjacent ends connected by a hook member 5 that fits in a projecting eye section on the adjacent section of the band. i

Any number of these bands may be em ployedr preferably three, and the same are connected by longitudinally extending slats 7 that are riveted to the outer surfaces of thebands as shown at8,ksaid bands being heldy in circumferentially spaced relation, and rigidly connecting the bands,`to hold the same securely in position.

'The' adjusting means employed in this type of splint comprises a plurality of spring slats 9 lhaving cushioned inner surfaces as shown at 10, said slats being disposed in circumferentially spaced relation around the inner faces of the bands 1, and adjustably connected therewith by means of set screws 11, which threadedly engage the bands, and have their inner ends connected with the slat as shown at 12. By this means, the spring slats are radially and longitudinally adjustable through the bands so as to position the slats to conform to the curvature of the limb to be set.

In operation owing to the fact that the bands 1 are formed in two sections, it is obvious that upon disengaging the hooks 5 the same may be swung open and as the sections are rigidly connected, the splint may be placed in position around the limb and the bands once more locked. The movable radially adjustable spring slats 9 are then adjusted by means of the set screws 11 to conform to the curvature desired, and when once more locked in said position, they will be immovable, and the limb will be rigidly held, during knitting. The spring slats 9 have their inner faces cushioned, and said slats are adapted to conform to the curvature desired as they are formed of spring material. The set screws permit their radial adjustment and when so adjusted will securely lock the same in that position, to prevent movement, as the bands 1 are rigidly connected with each other, by the connecting slats 7.

This splint will be found very useful in setting fractures, broken limbs, etc., as the same is very simply constructed, but is very eiiicient in operation. The adjustment permitted by the construction of this device makes it highly desirable, as it is adapted to be used on various sized limbs and various positions thereon. `The bands need not necessarily be circular as they may be substantially rectangular shaped so that the splint may be used for setting factured bones in a hand. The ends of the bands may also be of dierent curvatures so as the splint may be used in setting thighs.

From the above description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, it is thought that a clear and comprehensive understanding of the construction, operation and advantages of my invention may be had, and while I have shown and described the device as embodying a specific structure, I desire that it be understood that such changes may be made in said structure as do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

Having fully described my invention what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

A splint of the character described com-V prising intermediate and outer circular members arranged in spaced longitudinal alinement with each other and of uniform size, each circular member being formed in two parts, a hinge connecting the two parts of each member for the opening and closing thereof, means for fastening the two parts of each member when closed, longitudinal bars connected to the members exteriorly thereof to hold the same space from each other, a plurality of `flexible slats located interiorly of the members and having cushioned inner surfaces, said slats being disposed in circumferentially spaced relation to each other and adjusting screws e11- glaged in the members and swiveled in the s ats.

In testimony whereof, I affix my signature hereto.

ROSS H. ELLIS. 

